For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
